"Therefore, encourage
on another and build each other up."
Sept 2004 >>| The Encourager | August
2004 |
<< July 2004
"Therefore, encourage
on another and build each other up."
Sept 2004 >>
| In This Issue
4th or July Picnic |
On June 26th & 27th we had the privilege to participate in a vow renewal service for the married couples attending First Baptist Church. This was the conclusion of our “Home Improvement” message series that we have heard since May. Some of the things we learned during these series was the Biblical role of the husband, how to keep your marriage growing, hope for hurting parents, how to prevent an affair, and drawing the family line. Each week led us one step closer to learning how we can keep our marriages strong, growing, and exciting. We had the vow renewal to remind the married couples of the promises made to each other at the start of their lives together. After the vow renewal, Pastor Jeff concluded the series with a message of wisdom and hope for the single person, how to find the love of a lifetime. If you were not able to hear some or any of these messages and would like to, please fill out a card in the foyer requesting a copy of the Home Improvement series. If you don’t need the full series, please ask for your request by the date it was preached.
We would like to thank all those who stood up as our ‘role couples’ and to also thank those involved with supplying and serving
of the refreshments after each service.
4th of July Picnic a great success!!!
The church provided the hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and soft drinks while some of those attending brought goodies to share. This event was well attended (150 – 175) and judged by comments made, all had a good time. A significant number of new people attended. With four services happening each weekend it was nice to get a chance to meet others that attend the different services. This picnic was a great opportunity to welcome new people as well as provide our military families a place for fellowship away from their extended families. It is my hope that we can make this an annual event. I would like to thank all those who pitched in a helped. This truly is a great body of believers. 
Guidelines for College Students The next chapter of life for college students might be the best yet: learning new things, making new friends, finding new freedom. But freedom can be a double-edged sword. Students who did well in High School, who were well disciplined and made good choices, may find college a very difficult transition. For me, my college years were the lowest point in my walk with Christ. I set aside many of my convictions and made very poor choices. By God's grace, I came back around. Unfortunately, I've witnessed many students walk away from God through the years. Most never come back and those who do struggle with guilt and regret. Recently, I read an article in Go! Magazine that offered strategies for dealing with 10 of the most popular temptations college students face and how to overcome them armed with the Word of God. (And, though these suggestions apply primarily to College Students, most are applicable to younger students as well). Here's the first five:
Temptation 1: Letting your relationship with God slide
During your first months at college, you might feel
overwhelmed with your classes and all the activities going on
around you. You'll have sporting events to attend, roommates
to get to know, midnight coffee (or ice cream or taco) runs. It
will be easy for God to get squeezed out of your schedule.
Temptation 2: Doubting your faith
Too many Christian teens ride into college on their parents'
faith. When challenged by intelligent and reasonable sounding
but unbelieving professors and students, they're more likely to
shrug off their faith because they don't own it, or harbor
doubts without really looking for the answers.
Temptation 3: Buying into the "no moral absolutes" lie
If you go to a secular university you will be told, in one way
or another, that most worldviews, philosophies and religions
are equally good. Nothing can be known for sure. "If it works
for you, go for it!"
Your profs and peers might try to make you feel silly about
believing that Jesus is the only way to God. You might want to
fudge your beliefs just a little to be accepted.
Temptation 4: Giving in to promiscuity
Dorm life, even on a Christian college campus, can mean three
things: freedom, loneliness and a lot more time with the
opposite sex. That's not all bad, but it opens the door to sexual
temptations. Add to that pressure from friends and the media
to "get a boy/girl friend" or "get more physical," and this is a
serious danger zone.
Temptation 5: Par-tay!
It's Friday night, and a little voice says, "College is your last
chance (or maybe your first) to really party before entering the
'real world.' And besides, who's gonna get hurt if you drink a
few beers, do a few drugs, look at pornography or sleep with
someone here and there? Just have fun!" Read Next Month's Encourager For Part 2
"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed...For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2Cor. 4:8-9 & 17-18) I love the story of the young boy who, wanting to impress his father with his batting skills, yelled out, "Watch me, Dad, I'm hitting them a mile." He then tossed the ball in the air, swung at it , and missed. "Strike one," he yelled gleefully. Another attempt brought the same results. "Strike two, "he shouted. "I'm gonna clobber the next one, dad!" He took a careful stance, tossed the ball in the air, swung and missed again. "Strrrrrike three, and out," he yelled, and then turning to his dad with undaunted enthusiasm added, "Boy, oh, boy, am I a good pitcher or what?" Let me ask you a question. Are you someone who tends to see a glass of water as being half full or half empty? In other words, are you more of an optimist or a pessimist? Not sure? Look at how Webster defines the two terms:
Considering those definitions, it is easy to conclude which one a Christian ought to be. Unfortunately, more often than not, I fear many of us lean toward the latter. It's rather ironic, because, of all people, who should be the most optimistic and positive about life than those who have the inside scoop on the outcome of all things? Think about it. We know how the story ends! Look again at the words of Paul the optimist.
Wow, what a perspective! What a great attitude! That's making lemonade out of life's lemons. One thing for sure, the great Apostle was future focused. Optimism about the future saturated his thinking. Some one has described a pessimist as someone who can hardly wait for the future so they can look back with regret. That is NOT the apostle’s approach. Living with an optimistic mind set doesn't come naturally nor does it come easily. It develops as we are being “transformed by the renewing of our minds” [Ro.12:2]. Paul admonishes the Believers at Ephesus to "..be renewed in the spirit of your mind” [Eph.4:23]. In other words, we make the choice as to whether we will approach life with a half full or half empty attitude. Because we lean more toward the negative, Paul says we need a new way of thinking. We need to “be renewed in the spirit of our minds.” No one demonstrates optimism like Jesus does. Consider the kind of people He calls to Himself. He's the One who chooses “the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, the weak things to confound the things which are mighty, the lowly and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are” [1Co.1:26ff]. Congratulations, fellow Christians, that's us! Jesus loves us just the way we are. He sees us as a vessel with the potential to display His glory. Meditate on this thought: God always sees more potential in you than you could ever see in yourself. Now that is optimism! Are you on your third strike? The enemy yells, "You're out, you lose!" Jesus says, "No way, pick it up and keep on swinging! We're playing by my rules!!" The Eternal Optimist always looks at you as a one of a kind, never to be repeated, unique, distinct, potentially glorious opportunity to be a vessel that radiates His glory. Swung and missed a few lately? Take heart, God says you’re still up to bat.
MOM’S & MUNCHKINS (Infant through age 5) Our group is doing their best to beat the summer heat this year! Everyone had a great time at the Wild Water Adventure Park in July – highlights were watching the little ones slide down the kiddie slides and jumping waves in the wave pool. The wading pool party here at church was a hit also! Twenty-one children enjoyed the wading pools, slip-n-slide, and sprinkler all going at once while the mom’s were able to sit back, relax, and fellowship with one another. Be sure and join us in August for more water fun and a field trip to Fresno. On Monday, August 2nd from 9:30 am – 11:30 am , we will be having another pool party at 645 Philan Circle in Lemoore (Candace Dale’s home). Our second get together will be Monday, August 9th. We’ll be taking a road trip up to Fresno letting the kids keep cool playing games and eating lunch at Chuck E Cheese (7809 N. Blackstone Ave.). Our last get together this month will be another pool party on Monday, August 30th starting at 9:30 am. This time we’ll be swimming at Lisa Borba’s house located at 661 Shelter Way, Lemoore. Feel free to bring water toys, floaties, etc… for your little ones. If you have any questions or need directions, please contact Tamara Lennard at 924-1934 or DeeAnn Henry at 924-7406. Having fun in the water
Quarterly Team Brunch We will discuss: * Promotion Sunday * First Step Class * Changes for the fall All “All STARS” (Sunday School and Worship) leaders need to plan to attend. Anyone else interested in our Sunday morning programs is invited as well.
Meet Our
Teachers Kathleen Butts was born in South Korea. She grew up attending First Baptist and returned to make sure that her son, Christopher, was raised in church. She has been teaching for the last 9 years, first with Adventure Club and now in Sunday School. Kathleen loves it when the kids get excited about learning God’s Word. But the most important thing to her is that they remember what they’ve learned. She enjoys working with the 3rd and 4th graders because she is still taller than they are. Kathleen, thank you so much for your time and dedication!
FaithWeaver - July
First Step
We are excited to offer a new class especially designed for children. Children’s First Step is a class for our 2nd through 6th grade children and their parent(s) who are interested in learning about salvation and baptism, or who have accepted Christ and are interested in being baptized. During this hour-long class we will discuss salvation, baptism and how your child can begin to grow in his/her Christian walk. The kids will also have an opportunity to ask questions and pray with a member of our All STAR leadership team. Because this class is such an important step in a child’s walk with Christ, we ask that a parent/guardian attend the class with each child. To register call the church office @ 924-3458. If you have any questions you ay call me @ 924-2097.
In His Grace,
It’s that time of the year again when we begin gearing up for the start of our new AWANA year. This year we will have our Pre-Registration after each service on August 22nd and 29th. If your child is an Awana clubber, please try to pre-register them so we will not be too overwhelmed on the first night of Awana (September 8th ). We will begin earlier this year so be prepared for some fun and exciting days ahead. Please keep in mind that a lot of our leaders and helpers are in the military and some have moved away since last year. If you love children and would like to serve in this AWESOME ministry, please contact the church office at 924-3458 and we will give your name to the person in charge.
“Family Reunion” All Church Dinner Come and join us on Sunday, August 29th at 5:00 pm for our Annual Dinner. We’ve had Luau’s and Picnic’s and now it’s that time of the year again when we meet together for our annual ‘fellowship, food, and fun’ get together. Like a good family reunion does, this will be a POTLUCK event. So, plan to bring your favorite dish to share with others. We are so excited about the growth of the church, yet, there are MANY people who don’t know each other so try to make this event a priority in your calendar. HOWEVER – we can’t make this a success without the help of numerous volunteers. If you would like to help, please contact Lisa Franks at 924-1556 or 360-1727. The place has yet to be determined, but read your bulletin each Sunday to keep informed.
CAMP SUGAR PINE WOMEN’S RETREAT BRUNCH Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our “Meet & Greet” brunch for all those who signed up to attend Sugar Pine this October. We will enjoy a time of fellowship as we eat together, discuss any questions that you may have concerning our retreat, and decide if we want to have a T-shirt made for us again this year. This will be a potluck event so be sure to bring a favorite dish to share. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Peabody at 924-4353 or the church office 924-3458.
“Pssst ..... Ladies” IT’S COMING, IT’S COMING!!! Mark your calendars for November 5th & 6th. Women of Grace Ministries will host First Baptist Church’s 1st ever Fall Women’s Conference here at the church. We’re excited to have Stacie Maslyn, International Speaker from Saddleback Church, as our keynote speaker. Watch your bulletins and newsletters for more information and registration coming soon.
Sometimes we may feel like we can’t contribute a lot of our time to the ministries available here at First Baptist Church, but we’re wrong. Each and every ministry needs prayer for God’s will to be done, health for the leaders/teachers, the person God wants to put in a ministry, and a variety of other “needs” that only the Lord can meet. Please remember to keep our church in prayer as we continue to grow and as we continue to have more of our leaders and helpers move away. We always want to strive for God to be honored in what we do here at FBC. Remember to keep praying for our Time to Build…Time to Grow Building Campaign fund that God will touch the hearts of His people in their giving. Each Tuesday morning at 6:15 am some of our men gather at the church to do a prayer walk around the church grounds. Then, on the last Saturday of the month, they meet at the church and go to various parts of Lemoore to do a city wide prayer walk for the city of Lemoore. These prayer walks are open to anyone who would like to attend them. If you have any questions, please contact Gary Furry at 572-2937. If you ever have a need for prayer, we have a prayer chain made up of dedicated people willing to lift up the needs of ANYONE who desires prayer. To put a request on the prayer chain, just call one of the following people and they will make sure to get it started:
“And we can be confident that He will listen to us whenever we ask Him for anything in line with His will."
We say that our primary work is in Evangelism and Church Planting, but occasionally other opportunities present themselves. Recently we have been into development work. A team of young people that came over on a mission trip brought some money with them and asked to do a physical project in the area. The government have local committees that oversee the spending of government money for development in rural areas. We talked to the head of this committee and, from several projects that he suggested, we chose building weirs. With the money the group was bringing, he thought there was enough for 2 weirs. We helped in the planning and when the team came, they also helped in the mixing and pouring of cement as it was all done by hand. We actually worked on 3 weirs while they were here. When they were done, we looked at the funds and discovered that there was enough money for another 3 weirs to be built. Why?? Because, unlike the government funded projects, the local people provided all of the labor free as the projects were helping them directly. Also, there was no main contractor who needed to make a profit and no skimming off of money by any officials. We were happy at the way that God multiplied this money beyond the expectations of us, the locals, or the church that provided it. We are excited about the number of families that have been helped to provide for their families through these projects. We have also been excited about the new segment of the community that we have started relating to as a result of these projects. Right now our neighbors are involved in planting both rice and corn. Rice to eat and corn as a cash crop. We have been able to help in both and this makes the weirs built especially meaningful as we experience where the water will be going. God has provided for us with His bounty and we are happy about the way that God’s family helps in that. On another note, we recently had a chance to worship with the church in Payamengrai, where we were last term. We were happy with the reports of new families committing to a relationship with Jesus Christ and new baptism classes. Prayer Points:
I’M A CHRISTIAN
When I say….”I’m a Christian”
When I say….”I’m a Christian”
When I say….”I’m a Christian”
When I say….”I’m a Christian”
When I say….”I’m a Christian”
When I say….”I’m a Christian”
When I say….”I’m a Christian”
Big Mud Puddles and
Sunny Yellow Dandelions
When I look at a patch of dandelions, I see a bunch of weeds that are going to take over my yard.
When I look at an old drunk and he smiles at me, I see a smelly, dirty person who probably wants money and I look away.
When I hear music I love, I know I can’t carry a tune and don’t have much rhythm, so I sit self-consciously and listen.
When I feel wind on my face, I brace myself against it. I feel it messing up my hair and pulling me back when I walk.
When I pray I say ‘Thee’ and ‘thou’ and ‘grant me this, give me that’.
When I see a mud puddle, I step around it. I see muddy shoes and dirty carpets. I wonder if we are given kids to teach or to learn from? No wonder God loves the little children! Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. And He said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matt 18:3 (NIV)
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One of my fondest church memories was the annual 4th of
July picnic that we attended while I was stationed at
Whidbey Island, WA. For several years I had a dream of
this church throwing a church-wide 4th of July picnic
as well. One problem, the weather is quite different
here during July (scorching hot). It came to my attention
that we could rent out the swimming pool complex located on
NAS Lemoore. 
I thought this could be the spot for us to meet.
Not only is there a pool with a neat slide, but a game room,
beach volleyball, skateboard park, coffee shop, and a driving range.
All of this was available for a very reasonable price.
Once I bounced my idea by the Pastor the necessary preparations
were made. We gave a list of names to NAS security and they made
it very easy to gain access to the base. 
"Lead Us Not Into Temptation"
(Part 1)
WHAT: AWANA
WHEN: SEPTEMBER 8TH 
Dear Partners in the Gospel: 
